A physical model project to compare sediment removal under different baffle layouts inside a settling basin.
Project objective
Build a small settling basin model and study how flow velocity, detention time, and baffle arrangement affect sediment deposition.
Suggested materials or data
- Transparent acrylic tank
- Fine sand or silt substitute
- Small pump
- Removable baffles
- Stopwatch and measuring jar
Step-by-step workflow
- Create a transparent settling tank with inlet and outlet openings.
- Run the model without baffles and record turbidity/sediment deposition pattern.
- Add one or more baffle arrangements and repeat the test.
- Compare sediment trapped in the basin and sediment escaping at the outlet.
- Prepare recommendations for improving basin performance.
Minimum deliverables
- Transparent model
- Before/after baffle comparison
- Sediment deposition photos
- Design note
How to make it stronger
Use image analysis from phone photos to estimate deposited sediment area for each test.
Tip: Keep the scope small enough to finish, but document assumptions, limitations, drawings, calculations, and photos properly. That makes the project look professional even if the model is simple.